Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Imagine a dessert that combines the rich, buttery flavor of chocolate chip cookies with the indulgent allure of salted caramel. These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are the ultimate sweet treat, perfect for sharing (or not!). With layers of chocolate chips and a luscious caramel filling, these bars are sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet, these cookie bars are the answer. They’re easy to make, and the result is nothing short of heavenly.
What Makes This Recipe Special
What truly sets these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars apart is the delightful combination of textures and flavors. The buttery cookie base provides a chewy foundation, while the gooey caramel layer adds a rich creaminess that contrasts beautifully with the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Topping it all off, a sprinkle of flaked sea salt enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile, making each bite an unforgettable experience. These bars are perfect for any occasion and are sure to impress family and friends alike.
Ingredient Rundown
To create the most delectable Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter, at room temperature – Adds richness and flavor.
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar – Provides moisture and a hint of caramel flavor.
- 1 cup granulated white sugar – Sweetens and helps achieve the perfect texture.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the ingredients together and adds structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda – Helps the bars rise and gives them a chewy texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – The base that holds everything together.
- 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips – Provides rich chocolate flavor and gooeyness.
- One 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk – Creates the gooey caramel layer.
- 10 ounces of caramels (unwrapped) – approximately 40 caramels – The star of the show, for that rich caramel flavor.
- 1 teaspoon flaked sea salt – A finishing touch that elevates the bars.
Prep & Cook Tools
Before you dive into making these scrumptious cookie bars, gather the following tools:
- Mixing bowls – For combining your ingredients.
- Electric mixer – Makes creaming the butter and sugars a breeze.
- Spatula – For folding in the chocolate chips and caramel.
- 9×13-inch baking pan – The perfect size for these cookie bars.
- Parchment paper – For easy removal and cleanup.
- Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl – For melting the caramels.
From Start to Finish: Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Creating these Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars is straightforward and fun! Follow these steps for a guaranteed success:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9×13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
Step 2: Cream the Butters and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature salted butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and Kosher salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Step 5: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Layer
In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and sweetened condensed milk. Heat gently until melted and smooth, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Step 7: Layer the Mixture in the Pan
Spread half of the cookie dough mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Pour the melted caramel mixture over the dough, spreading it evenly. Then, drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough on top of the caramel layer—don’t worry about covering it completely; it will spread while baking.
Step 8: Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 9: Add the Finishing Touch
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the flaked sea salt over the top while the bars are still warm. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
Once cooled, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares and enjoy your Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!
Spring to Winter: Ideas
These cookie bars are versatile and can be enjoyed year-round. Here are some ideas to enhance your experience:
- Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts can add a nice crunch.
- Substitute chocolate: Try using dark chocolate chips for a richer flavor.
- Seasonal toppings: In the fall, sprinkle with cinnamon; during summer, serve with fresh berries.
- Ice cream pairing: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla or salted caramel ice cream for a decadent dessert.
What Could Go Wrong
While this recipe is straightforward, here are a few things to watch out for:
- Overmixing: Be careful not to overmix the dough once you add the flour, as this can make the bars tough.
- Caramel burning: When melting the caramels, keep the heat low and stir frequently to avoid burning.
- Undercooked bars: Make sure to bake the bars until they are set in the middle; they will continue to cook slightly after removing from the oven.
- Sticky bars: Allow the bars to cool completely before cutting for clean slices.
Prep Ahead & Store
These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars can be prepared ahead of time and stored for later enjoyment.
To prep ahead, you can make the dough and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before baking. To store, keep the bars in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just be sure to layer the bars between parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Your Top Questions
Can I use different types of chocolate chips?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute semi-sweet chocolate chips with milk chocolate, dark chocolate, or even white chocolate chips for a different twist.
Can I make these bars gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure that all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
What can I do if my caramel layer is too thick?
If your caramel layer is too thick, you can add a bit of milk or cream while melting to achieve a smoother consistency.
Can I add more caramel to the recipe?
Of course! If you want even gooier bars, feel free to add an extra handful of unwrapped caramels to the melted mixture.
The Last Word
These Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars are a delightful journey through layers of flavor and texture. From the buttery cookie base to the rich, gooey caramel center, every bite is a taste of pure bliss. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy family gathering or a festive celebration. Once you make them, you’ll find it hard to resist going back for seconds—and thirds! So, gather your ingredients and get baking. Your taste buds will thank you!
Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing some overhang for easy removal later.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature salted butter, packed light brown sugar, and granulated white sugar using an electric mixer. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, and Kosher salt. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Step 5: Gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the cookie dough.
- Step 6: In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramels and sweetened condensed milk. Heat gently until melted and smooth, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Step 7: Spread half of the cookie dough mixture evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking pan. Pour the melted caramel mixture over the dough, spreading it evenly. Then, drop spoonfuls of the remaining cookie dough on top of the caramel layer—don’t worry about covering it completely; it will spread while baking.
- Step 8: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Step 9: Once out of the oven, sprinkle the flaked sea salt over the top while the bars are still warm. Allow the bars to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 10: Once cooled, use the overhanging parchment paper to lift the bars out of the pan. Slice into squares and enjoy your Gooey Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars!
Notes
- For a richer flavor, try substituting with dark chocolate chips.
- Chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can add a delightful crunch.
- These bars can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
